Hypertriglyceridemia
Other names	Elevated levels of triglycerides
Blood samples of a young patient with extreme hypertriglyceridemia
Specialty	Endocrinology
Complications	Heart disease, pancreatitis
Risk factors	Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, alcoholism, metabolic syndrome
Differential diagnosis	Hyperlipidemia, atheroma, hypercholesterolemia, hypercalcemia

Hypertriglyceridemia is the presence of high amounts of triglycerides in the blood. Triglycerides are the most abundant fatty molecule in most organisms. Hypertriglyceridemia occurs in various physiologic conditions and in various diseases, and high triglyceride levels are associated with atherosclerosis, even in the absence of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels) and predispose to cardiovascular disease.

Chronically elevated serum triglyceride levels are a component of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), both of which typically involve obesity and contribute significantly to cardiovascular mortality in industrialised countries as of 2021. Extreme triglyceride levels also increase the risk of acute pancreatitis.

Hypertriglyceridemia itself is usually symptomless, although high levels may be associated with skin lesions known as xanthomas.^[1]

Signs and symptoms

Most people with elevated triglycerides experience no symptoms. Some forms of primary hypertriglyceridemia can lead to specific symptoms: both familial chylomicronemia and primary mixed hyperlipidemia include skin symptoms (eruptive xanthoma), eye abnormalities (lipemia retinalis), hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen), and neurological symptoms. Some experience attacks of abdominal pain that may be mild episodes of pancreatitis. Eruptive xanthomas are 2–5 mm papules, often with a red ring around them, that occur in clusters on the skin of the trunk, buttocks and extremities.^[2] Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia causes larger, tuberous xanthomas; these are red or orange and occur on the elbows and knees. Palmar crease xanthomas may also occur.^[1][2]

The diagnosis is made on blood tests, often performed as part of screening. Once diagnosed, other blood tests are usually required to determine whether the raised triglyceride level is caused by other underlying disorders ("secondary hypertriglyceridemia") or whether no such underlying cause exists ("primary hypertriglyceridemia"). There is a hereditary predisposition to both primary and secondary hypertriglyceridemia.^[1]

Acute pancreatitis may occur in people whose triglyceride levels are above 1000 mg/dL (11.3 mmol/L).^[1][2][3] Hypertriglyceridemia is associated with 1–4% of all cases of pancreatitis. The symptoms are similar to pancreatitis secondary to other causes, although the presence of xanthomas or risk factors for hypertriglyceridemia may offer clues.^[3]

Causes

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on blood tests, often performed as part of screening. The normal triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L).^[1][5] Once diagnosed, other blood tests are usually required to determine whether the raised triglyceride level is caused by other underlying disorders ("secondary hypertriglyceridemia") or whether no such underlying cause exists ("primary hypertriglyceridaemia"). There is a hereditary predisposition to both primary and secondary hypertriglyceridemia.^[1]

Screening

In 2016, the United States Preventive Services Task Force concluded that testing the general population under the age of 40 without symptoms is of unclear benefit.^[7][8]

Treatment

Lifestyle changes including weight loss, exercise and dietary modification may improve hypertriglyceridemia.^{[9][1][10][11]} This may include dietary changes such as restriction of fat and carbohydrates (specifically fructose),^[10] and increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from algae, nuts, and seeds.^[12][13]

The decision to treat hypertriglyceridemia with medication depends on the levels and on the presence of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Very high levels that would increase the risk of pancreatitis is treated with a drug from the fibrate class. Niacin and omega-3 fatty acids as well as drugs from the statin class may be used in conjunction, with statins being the main drug treatment for moderate hypertriglyceridemia where reduction of cardiovascular risk is required.^[1] Medications are recommended in those with high levels of triglycerides that are not corrected with lifestyle modifications, with fibrates being recommended first.^[1][14][15] Epanova (omega-3-carboxylic acids) is another prescription drug used to treat very high levels of blood triglycerides.^[16]

Epidemiology

As of 2006, the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia in the United States was 30%.^[5]

Research

Analysis of the genes in depression and anxiety showed those linked solely to depression were also linked to hypertriglyceridemia.^[17]

Etymology

The word hypertriglyceridemia uses combining forms of hyper- + triglyceride + -emia, thus corresponding to "high triglyceride levels in the blood" or "too many triglycerides in the blood".